February 15, 2013 : O.U. Lancaster Women’s Basketball Team Finishes 1st for Third Year in a Row

- Cheri RussoCommunications and Marketing Manager
Lancaster – The Ohio University Lancaster Campus women's basketball team is a first place team in the Ohio Regional Campus Conference East Division for the third year in a row. This year the Cougars are sharing the first place title with Ohio University Eastern. The Cougars' conference record was 11-4.

"We are hosting the opening rounds of the women's tournament this weekend," said Women's Coach Jeff Whitehead. "We have a bye on Saturday and will play the winner of Saturday's game between OSU Newark and OSU Mansfield."

Whitehead said he is very proud of what the team has accomplished over the last three years. He also said that this year was a tough year for the team and they were able to overcome adversity to finish in first place.

"This year's team deal with numerous injuries and illnesses during the season," said Whitehead. "This team's perseverance after a slow beginning shows the type of players we have on the team. The team was 9-2 over the last 11 games."

Whitehead said two seniors, who are graduating after this season, are difference makers on the team. He said he will miss them and so will the team.

"Both Jessica Cordle and Chelsea Eccard will be missed because of their commitment to the team. Both are leaders on and off the court," said Whitehead. "Both players have scored more than 1000 points and collected 800 rebounds in their careers. Jessica holds the school record with over 550 blocks. Both players will be very tough to replace."

The women will play in Ohio University Lancaster's Brasee Hall gym on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.